
 Battleground
 Battleground 232. Battleground Christmas Special
 Dec 22, 2024 
 Join award-winning historian Jessie Childs, known for her captivating works like "God's Traitor," and Richard Foreman, a literary impresario and author, as they dive into the year's most noteworthy history books. They explore the complexities of the reigns of Richard II and Henry IV, shedding light on personal experiences in military history. The conversation also delves into moral dilemmas in 'The Forbidden Garden of Leningrad,' while offering compelling fiction recommendations that intersect with historical narratives. It's a festive blend of history and storytelling! 
 AI Snips 
 Chapters 
 Books 
 Transcript 
 Episode notes 
A Decade of Dedication
- Helen Castor's book, The Eagle and the Heart, took a decade to research and write.
- It's a deep dive into the psychology of power between Richard II and Henry IV.
Shakespeare's Accuracy
- Shakespeare's plays about Richard II and Henry IV were surprisingly accurate in their psychological portrayals.
- Castor's book fills a gap in the scholarship, offering a lasting contribution to the field.
SAS vs. SWAT
- Ben Macintyre's The Siege details the Iranian Embassy siege, offering humorous anecdotes alongside historical details.
- One amusing incident involves a policeman mistaking the SAS for the police SWAT team.











